Florida player helps stop sexual assault outside Gainesville bar

Your teams on the go or at home. Personalize SI with our new App. Install on iOS or Android.

Florida linebacker Cristian Garcia was involved in halting a sexual assault taking place outside a Gainesville bar early Thursday, according to multiple reports.

Garcia told local NBC affiliate First Coast News he works security behind 101 Cantina and witnessed the assault behind the bar while taking out the garbage. He said he then went up to the man, 34-year-old Christopher Shaw, grabbed him and told him to stop, helped by a co-worker. Shaw broke free and escaped but was later arrested and charged with sexual battery.

The Gainesville Police Department said videos clearly show both Shaw and the victim, and that the victim "was mentally and physically unable to give consent due to her level of intoxication," according to News4Jax.com.

Garcia, a redshirt junior, joined the team as a walk-on in 2015 and played in one game.

More College Football

We've Got Apps Too

Get expert analysis, unrivaled access, and the award-winning storytelling only SI can provide — from Peter King, Tom Verducci, Lee Jenkins, Grant Wahl, Andy Staples and more — delivered straight to you, along with up-to-the-minute news and live scores.